Lepidosperma effusum – Sword Grass

An evergreen sedge plant, it is a robust perennial that grows from rhizomes, making it a very tough and hardy plant. It grows to around 2 metres high and wide. It has razor sharp leaf blades that can cut unwary hands, but which serve as protection for small birds, animals, frogs and lizards. The seed heads are a feed source for small birds. It is native to the south west corner of Western Australia.

Lepidosperma effusum - sword grass
Lepidosperma effusum - sword grass

Family : Cyperaceae

Cultivar Name:

Plant Type : Grass or grass-like

Width : 2

Flowering Time : Spring, Winter

Soil Type : Sandy, Loamy, Sandy loam, Clay loam, Poor soil

Climate Zone : Warm temperate, Cool temperate, Mediterranean

Growth Habit : Evergreen, Dense foliage

Soil Moisture : Well-drained, Moist moderate drainage, Boggy poorly drained

Special Uses : Erosion control

Scientific Name: Lepidosperma effusum

Common Name : Sword Grass

Height : 2.5

Flower Color : Brown, Black

pH Level : Acid, Neutral, Alkaline

Plant Environment : Low maintenance garden, Coastal garden, Drought resistant

Light : Sunny, Light shade, Half shade

Lifespan : Perennial

Frost Tolerance : Tolerates light frost

Attracts Wildlife : Seed eating birds, Mammals, Lizards